Guest Post: SHINee, “Odd” – The 4th Album

SHINee is back! Guest poster and kpop enthusiast Emily is back to tell us about their new album.

International K-Pop sensation SHINee released their fourth full-length album on Monday.  This album generated a lot of hype from loyal fans even before it was released.  It had been two full years before SHINee’s last full album was released, so fans we understandably hungry for some new tunes.

I gave the album a listen on Monday.  Let’s just say it’s … Odd: a fitting response to the album’s title, which is indeed “Odd”.  Obviously the album name is a play on the title of the first song, “Odd Eye”, however, I believe the album title stands for more.  The overall sound of the album is very different from their previous albums, which had a very pop/techno/dance feel to them.  “Odd” is heavy on the R&B sound with heavy beats, smooth vocals, and rap, but also has a light, electric thread that lifts the sound.

Overall, I think the album is put together very well.  All the songs complement each other nicely, and there is a good mix of upbeat tunes and sensual tracks.  It is one of those albums that you want to listen to all the way through in order.  The album tells a story.  I cannot say that I have found many albums where I sit down, listen to the music, and enjoy every single song without skipping one I dislike.  The whole album experience is very refreshing.

Fans seem to love the new album.  The album is now SHINee’s best selling album on iTunes.  The R&B beats and smooth doo-wop electronic thread gives the album a very summery feel.  I can picture many ShaWols’ bopping around town or sitting on the beach with “Odd” basting through their ear buds.

The album is definitely one to check out.  If you are interested take a listen to the track “View” to get a feel of the albums sound and tone:

K-Pop and Reality TV Shows: Guest Post

Today we have a guest post written by my dear friend the lovely Emily B who is a fellow international music and kpop aficionado! Hope y’all enjoy!!

Hello, hello! Today I’m going to introduce you to K-pop Star, a South Korean reality TV competition that is akin to the United State’s American Idol and The Voice.  What sets K-pop star apart from the United State’s music related reality programs is that auditions are held all around the world, not just in the parent country.

K-pop Star has held four seasons of the show.  For the first two seasons, each of the three judges represented the three largest management companies in South Korea, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment.  The winner, in all four seasons, got to choose which of the three companies with which they would debut and sign a contract.

Enough with the technicalities, it is time for some music!

Park Ji-min was only fifteen-years-old when she won the first installment of K-pop stars. She signed with JYP Entertainment and formed a duo with Baek Ye-rin called 15&. Their song “Can’t Hide It” tops Korean music charts (Ji-min is on the left).

Last year, after two years of 15&, Park Ji-min announced that she would be pursuing a solo career.  Her power ballad, “Hopeless Love,” premiered just last week!

 

The winner of K-pop Star’s second season is the brother-sister duo Akdong Musician, made up of Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun.  Chan-hyuk wrote, composed, and produced their first studio album, “Play”, and Su-hyun’s voice is so pure it is ethereal. Their song “200%” topped Korean music charts.  Listen below; it is the perfect song for sunshine and warm weather.

Did you enjoy Park Ji-min and AKMU?  Check out the video below of the three musicians jamming out on season 2 of K-pop stars.

 

Bernard Park was crowned the winner of K-pop Star’s third season.  Specializing in ballads, he won hearts with his soulful melodies and heart wrenching lyrics.  Check out the title song on his EP “I’m. . .” below.

K-pop Star season 4 ended just a few days ago on April 12, 2015.  New Jersey native Katie Kim took home the first place prize.  She does not have a single out yet, but check out her cover of Amy Winehouse’s’ “Rehab” below.


Did you like what you heard?  You can jump over to the K-pop Star Youtube  page to check out clips from all four seasons, or watch season 4 on Hulu.